NEWPORT County’s Andrew Hughes can’t wait to sample the magic of the FA Cup today after being gobbled up by Turkey in midweek.

Hughes was part of the Wales C team that lost 5-0 to an impressive Turkey Under-23 side at Port Talbot.

The former Cardiff City youth product aggravated an ankle injury in that one-sided defeat but is confident of being fit for the Conference leaders’ short FA Cup trip to Southern League side Yate Town (3pm).

“It was a tough game against some top players who are with clubs like Galatasaray,” said Hughes.

“They were very good but the scoreline doesn’t really reflect the game.

“But it was a good experience to test yourself against quality players and it was good to have (fellow County players) Lee Evans and Ben Swallow there as well. The FA Cup is a great competition and we’ve prepared for this game the same as any other.”

Yate have defied the FA Cup odds this season, beating Poole Town, Winchester City, North Leigh and Oxford City to bag almost £17,000 in prize money.

And the Gloucestershire side have already beaten Welsh opponents this week, having won 2-0 at Merthyr Town to reach the second round of the Red Insure Southern League Cup.

“It’s a big ask to beat Newport because the budget there is bigger than some Football League clubs,” said Yate boss Rob Cousins, a member of the Bath side which upset Cardiff 3-2 in the FA Cup 20 years ago.

“But shock results do happen and that’s what makes the FA Cup special.

“We have to believe and that’s what I have been telling the players.

“They must not come off the pitch with any regrets.

“I’ve been fortunate to play in cup-ties against league opposition and win, so we’ve got to have the belief, desire and hunger.

“We’ve already created a bit of history for the club getting to this stage of the competition, but it would be so much sweeter if we could make the first round proper.”

County are without injured striker Danny Crow and defenders (groin) and Ismail Yakubu (calf) are both rated as highly doubtful. Yate are set to include new signing James Harmer, a former Newport youth player.